Lector: God of Light, Your Child is born for us, our Messiah is come! Glory to God in the highest!

People: Encircle us with your love.

God of Light, renew the delight and wide-eyed wonder in Christ’s birth for the leaders of our church, especially Greg, our Bishop, and Berto, our priest. Encircle us with your love.

God of Light, grant wisdom and the will for righteous, equitable, and truthful action to those who govern the nations of the world, especially our President, Barack Obama, our Governor Jay Inslee, and our local elected officials. Let us pray in earnest for those who govern in our names. Encircle us with your love.

God of Light, bring comfort for those who are suffering from displacement and war, especially in Syria and South Sudan. With Your grace of healing and hope, brighten the long shadows for the ones among us who are seriously ill, addicted, or homeless; and strengthen the hearts of all who give them care, especially those on our parish prayer list…

Encircle us with your love.

God of Light, may the luminous presence of this Precious Child pierce the deep darkness for those who walk in grief, as our precious loved ones, who have passed through this life, now live again in the glory of Your everlasting peace. Encircle us with your love.

Presider: Almighty God, revive our souls with the holy and peaceful birth of your Son, Jesus Christ. Fill our hearts with gladness, so that our lives reflect your will. Keep us in your light and mindful that You are our One Holy and Eternal God forever and ever. Amen.